Master in Highway Engineering

Economic Analysis of Investment Projects (3 credits)

This course combines theory and practice. The required materials include technical notes and case studies, all published on the CANVAS platform and developed with instructor guidance. Learning outcomes will enable students to formulate and evaluate investment projects, both public and private, from an economic and financial perspective, and to apply analytical techniques to understand the context of project risks. This is particularly relevant for professionals leading multidisciplinary teams, as it allows them to make informed decisions regarding the impact of project solutions and provides a solid knowledge base for communicating effectively with other disciplines within work teams and with representatives of project funding entities.

The course is taught through lectures, questioning, and the use of software applications for project evaluation, as well as guided in-class exercises. Applicable learning methodologies include project-based learning (PBL) and cooperative learning (CL). Assessment will consist of a written assignment and a final exam.

The main objective is to develop the technical criteria to evaluate the infrastructure projects proposed around solutions to road problems in the public and private sectors.

Infrastructure Planning and Management (3.5 credits)

This course combines theory and practice. It is supported by technical notes and case studies published on the CANVAS learning management platform, open-source infrastructure management software such as HDM4, and instructor guidance. Learning outcomes relate to understanding the principles of road conservation and maintenance operations and applying technological tools to pavement planning and management. It is highly relevant for road professionals because it provides a foundation for multidisciplinary work, particularly by offering a broad perspective on infrastructure management.

The learning methodology used is project-based learning (PBL) and problem-based learning. Assessment includes a written research paper on a local management case study.

Its objective is to show the fundamental concepts of pavement planning and management and the conceptual bases that support the acquisition and management of information for decision making.

Road Construction Technology (3 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The elements required for its development include technical notes, reading material, scientific articles, and application exercises published on the CANVAS learning management platform, in addition to teacher guidance.

The learning outcomes will enable the student to identify the main activities in the construction of road infrastructure projects and the technologies available for their execution, considering the local context.

This knowledge is relevant to the student because it allows them to learn about the available technology and recognize its limitations and advantages compared to traditional construction methods, opening up the possibility of incorporating innovation and technology.

The course methodology combines lectures with practical exercises, fostering discussion of concepts through problem-based learning (PBL) and thinking-based learning (TBL). In-class sessions will contribute to the final grade, along with a research and analysis project on the use of equipment at the local level.

Its general objective is to prepare the student in the knowledge of the technologies available for road construction and to develop in him technical criteria for the application and management of said technologies in a road infrastructure project.

Road Construction Management (3 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The resources it utilizes include technical notes, solved exercises, case studies, open-source software such as MS Project™ and Autodesk Navisworks™, and systems like BIM and 4D Schedule Simulation, available through the CANVAS learning management platform.

The learning outcomes focus on mastering technological tools for managing and controlling construction projects, as well as construction management techniques such as Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Task Duration and Production Rates, Network and Cost Per Mille (CPM) techniques, resource scheduling, cash flow analysis, and Earned Value Management (EVM), among others. The relevance of these techniques and technological tools aligns with the digital transformation processes in the construction sector, for both private and public projects.

The teaching methodologies applied are Project-Based Learning (PBL), Problem-Based Learning, and Thinking-Based Learning (TBL).

The objective of the course is for the student to learn the fundamentals of planning, scheduling and control of construction projects, as well as the technological tools available for this purpose.

Seminar for International Certification in Projects (2 credits)

It is a subject of a theoretical-practical nature. The elements required for the development of the subject are technical notes, group exercises, developed case studies, self-study through the CANVAS platform, in addition to 2 mock assessments for international certification.

The learning outcomes are knowledge of the fundamentals of project management and self-assessment in project management skills.

The relevance of the content will allow the student to identify their abilities and skills for project management and the aspects they need to strengthen to continue growing in their professional development.

The teaching methodologies used are: the lecture, project-based learning (PBL), problem-based learning (PBL), competency-based learning (CBL), case-based learning (CBL), and cooperative learning (CL), accompanied by new information and communication technologies such as Design Thinking (DT).

The objective is to introduce the principles of project management, to introduce the project management competency model established by the International Project Management Association (IPMA), and to prepare students for a certification exam under international standards.

Geotechnical Engineering for Roads (3 credits)

This is a theoretical and practical course. Required materials include technical notes, reading materials, and concept maps, all accessible through the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform, an online web conferencing platform, and open-source software for the geotechnical evaluation of roads. Learning outcomes relate to the ability to assess the geotechnical conditions of a road project and to provide a technical opinion regarding its risks to public safety.

The content is fundamental to understanding the interaction of roads with the environment and the risks involved during road construction and operation. Furthermore, it delves into the fundamentals for the application of road materials, which will be covered in a later course.

The teaching methodologies used are: the lecture, problem-based learning (PBL), accompanied by new information and communication technologies such as Design Thinking (DT), as well as the application of free software for geotechnical evaluation and design.

Its objective is to delve deeper into the fundamentals for the characterization of subgrades and geotechnical design for the protection of road works, developing technical criteria for participation in multidisciplinary teams, using the technological tools currently available to systematize the analysis of problems.

Transport Planning and Road Safety (3 credits)

This is a theoretical and practical course. Supporting materials include technical notes, case studies, and reading materials, all published on the CANVAS learning management platform, as well as digital tools for road network management such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The learning outcomes include the ability to plan road construction projects and assess the need for road safety upgrades to meet current requirements.

The content developed is fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of transport, the criteria for its evaluation and assessment, as well as the relevant aspects of associated road safety.

The teaching methodologies applied are lectures, problem-based learning (PBL), Design Thinking (DT) and Thinking-based Learning (TBL).

Its purpose is to show the fundamentals of traffic and road safety operations in order to optimize mobility patterns and develop technical criteria to meet future transport needs, making use of available technologies.

Person, Family and Project (2.5 credits)

It is a theoretical course. The main elements required for the course are: technical notes, case studies for discussion and analysis via the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform (Learning Management System (LMS)), instructor support, and an online web conferencing platform.

The learning outcomes will prepare the professional to perform the managerial function well and develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.

The relevance of the content will help students learn fundamental topics related to teamwork, personal development and growth, particularly those concerning tolerance, in order to align themselves with the objectives of an organization or entity that values the opinions of others. In this regard, emphasis will be placed on topics related to inclusion, people with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, the elderly, immigrants, the homeless or those living in poverty, drug addicts, alcoholics, ex-prisoners, ethnic minorities, the unemployed, and so on.

The teaching methodologies that will be used are: lectures, the Flipped Classroom, the case method, case-based learning (CBL) and cooperative learning (CBL), accompanied by new information and communication technologies.

The main objective of the subject is to facilitate anthropological and humanistic knowledge for self-knowledge, to value people and understand different points of view, focusing especially on their reality as a decision-maker who assumes responsibilities for the effects on the social environment and on the family.

Thesis Workshop I (2 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The elements that are mainly required for the development of the subject are: Technical notes, reading material, debate, presentation, brainstorming, concept maps through the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform (Learning Management System (LMS)) and online web conference platform.

The learning outcomes provide the methodological and scientific guidelines for developing future research projects that will lead to solutions for research problems. Likewise, the course reinforces aspects of scientific style and writing.

The relevance of the content will enable the student to perceive research as something commonplace and supportive of professional practice, especially for the substantiation of technical proposals.

The teaching methodologies that will be used are: Problem-based learning (PBL) and Project-based learning (PBL).

The main objective of the subject is to learn the basic research terms and methodological tools to develop a research work in the field of road engineering, considering the aspects and standards of basic structure for a research work plan.

Reliability and Risk Analysis (3.5 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The main elements required for the development of the subject are: technical notes, reading material, case studies or application exercises through the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform (Learning Management System (LMS)), teacher guidance, specialized simulation software, and an online web conferencing platform.

The intended learning outcomes will provide students with the concepts of reliability analysis of systems related to civil engineering and give them the tools for analyzing the performance of a system, as well as quantifying it.

The content is relevant because it complements the tools for generating and processing data for a project, diagnosis, or scientific research, strengthening the capacity for reflection and its application to the interpretation of information.

The teaching methodologies that will be used are: lectures, Flipped Classroom, problem-based learning and cooperative learning (CL), accompanied by new information and communication technologies such as Thinking-based learning (TBL).

The main objective of the subject is to introduce the student to the theory of reliability and offer tools for the analysis and design of solutions to road problems, covering the fundamental concepts for evaluating the reliability of systems and their relationship with accepted design standards.

Pavement Design and Evaluation (3 credits)

This is a theoretical-practical course. The required materials include design manuals, technical notes, international standards, and demonstration videos, all linked to the CANVAS virtual platform, in addition to instructor guidance. Learning outcomes include an understanding of modern design methods, knowledge of pavement evaluation techniques, and the ability to identify pavement conservation and rehabilitation techniques.

The content is relevant because it complements the ability to evaluate existing networks and propose improvements, including new technologies available in the environment.

The teaching methodologies that are applied are cooperative learning (ACoop), problem-based learning (PBL) and Design Thinking (DT).

Its general objective is to strengthen fundamental knowledge about pavement design and evaluation, enabling students to develop decision criteria for working in multidisciplinary teams.

Road Materials (3 credits)

It is a theoretical subject. The elements required for its development are technical notes, solved cases, reading material, design manuals and free software, all managed through the CANVAS learning platform, in addition to the teacher's guidance.

The learning outcomes focus on knowledge of the materials available in asphalt and concrete technology, as well as the ability to apply design methods to practical road construction solutions. The content is relevant because it requires knowledge of current design methods and technologies, which complement the geotechnical problems identified in previous courses.

Cooperative learning (ACoop) and problem-based learning (PBL) methodologies are applied.

Its objective is to understand the processes of obtaining, properties and characterization of the materials used for the construction of road surfaces and surface treatments in order to develop technical criteria that enable them to participate in multidisciplinary teams.

Thesis Workshop II (2 credits)

It is a practical subject. The main elements required for the development of the subject are the online web conferencing platform and the guidance of the instructor.

The learning outcomes that are intended to be achieved will allow our students to progressively increase the generic skills required for the preparation of a research paper following the principles of the scientific method.

The relevance of the content will strengthen and evaluate the ability to identify, analyze and formulate problems and objectives of applied research in Water Resources, validating the process with relevant literature.

The teaching methodologies that will be used are cooperative learning, accompanied by new information and communication technologies such as Thinking-based learning (TBL).

The main objective of the subject is to generate the data, its compilation and preliminary analysis of the research results, in addition to delving deeper into the theoretical framework of the same.

Geometric Road Design (3 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The materials required for its development include technical notes, design manuals, and open-source software from Autodesk such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and geomatics software, all managed through the CANVAS platform. The learning outcomes relate to the ability to perform the geometric design of roads using digital and computer resources for this purpose.

The content is relevant because road accidents require constant monitoring with technological tools that collect and process data in real time, which is only possible with the most modern tools to be used in the course and knowing the theoretical foundations of the geometric design of roads.

The learning methodologies that are applied are project-based learning (PBL), cooperative learning (ACoop) and problem-based learning (PBL).

The main objective is to delve into the general methodology of geometric road design, exploring the latest advances in geometric design and computer techniques applied internationally to optimize their application in safe road design, enabling the student to develop technical criteria to participate in multidisciplinary projects.

Methodology

Environmental Impact of Transportation (2 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The course includes technical notes, reading materials, case studies, and application exercises, all managed through the UDEP Virtual Canvas platform and with guidance from the instructor.

The learning outcomes focus on the knowledge needed to identify environmental impacts in the design and development of solutions to road problems.

The relevance of the content is related to the need for road professionals to become familiar with the environmental aspects that must be identified and managed in infrastructure projects, at all stages of the project cycle, from its conception to its maintenance and operation.

The methodologies applied in the course are lectures, the questioning technique, project-based learning (PBL) and problem-based learning (PBL).

The objective of the subject is to develop criteria for the evaluation and management of the environmental aspects of road infrastructure projects that enables students to participate in multidisciplinary teams.

El Niño Phenomenon, Hydrology and Hydraulics (3.5 credits)

It is a theoretical-practical subject. The main elements required for the development of the subject are: technical notes, reading material, case studies or application exercises through the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform (Learning Management System (LMS)), teacher guidance and an online web conference platform, in addition to a visit to hydraulic infrastructure works on roads and laboratory practices in Piura.

The learning outcomes aim to ensure that the student understands the causes, formation mechanisms and impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon, as well as the interaction of hydrological and hydraulic phenomena in road works.

The relevance of the content will enable the student to learn the fundamental aspects of Hydrology: the water balance, the quantification of available resources and the determination of maximum flows and design hydrographs in rivers, streams and engineering works in road infrastructure.

The teaching methodologies that will be used are: lectures, Flipped Classroom and problem-based learning (PBL) and project-based learning (PBL), accompanied by new information and communication technologies such as Thinking-based learning (TBL).

Its objective is to strengthen the fundamental concepts of hydrology and river hydraulics that are applied in the design of road and highway protection works, in order to promote the development of technical criteria to design and apply solutions to road problems and to participate in multidisciplinary teams.

Traffic Engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems (3 credits)

This is a theoretical-practical course. Required materials include technical notes, developed case studies, videos, simulation software published on the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform (Learning Management System (LMS)), and an online web conferencing platform. Learning outcomes encompass the fundamental concepts of traffic flow analysis and mastery of modeling tools for decision-making.

The content developed is relevant since the foundation of traffic engineering is the use of modeling tools for the analysis and design of transport systems, topics that are fundamental for leaders of multidisciplinary teams and are complemented by the content of infrastructure planning and for the economic analysis of alternatives.

The learning methodologies employed include problem-based learning (PBL), Design Thinking (DT), and cooperative work. Furthermore, the analysis and proposal of innovative solutions will be encouraged through group work.

Its general objective is to provide the fundamental criteria and analysis methodologies applicable to continuous vehicular flow infrastructure, discontinuous flow and urban roundabouts, using applicable technological tools, with the purpose of developing in the student technical criteria to design solutions to road problems and participate in multidisciplinary teams.

Thesis Workshop III (2 credits)

It is a practical subject. The elements required for the development of the subject are mainly reading material, presentations, brainstorming, through the UDEP Virtual – CANVAS platform (Learning Management System (LMS)) and an online web conferencing platform.

The intended learning outcomes will promote the development of research work to achieve the Master's degree, using strategies based on the application of the fundamentals and limitations of the scientific method, guiding this knowledge towards the development and strengthening of research skills.

The relevance of the content will facilitate the development and monitoring of what has been learned in previous subjects to continue the scientific research process in the master's program.

The teaching methodologies that will be used are problem-based learning (PBL), cooperative learning (CL), accompanied by new information and communication technologies such as Thinking-based learning (TBL).

The main objective of the subject is to continue the student's training and develop the research work that meets the requirements established by the university for the Master's Degrees in Engineering on a topic relevant to road engineering, advancing in the development of the research work.